Henry Lake Campground

For Michiganders seeking a genuine escape into the tranquility of the Upper Peninsula's vast wilderness, Henry Lake Campground offers a quintessential rustic camping experience. Tucked away within the beautiful Ottawa National Forest near Marenisco, this campground is designed for those who truly appreciate peace, quiet, and a deep connection with nature. If you're the kind of camper who prioritizes serene surroundings over bustling amenities, and who finds joy in the simple pleasures of the outdoors, Henry Lake Campground might just be your perfect northern Michigan hideaway.

Henry Lake Campground is consistently described by visitors as "quiet and quaint," providing an ideal setting for relaxation and outdoor pursuits. It's a place where the sounds of the forest and the gentle lapping of lake waters replace the noise of everyday life. While it embraces a more primitive style of camping, it still ensures essential comforts are met, such as "very well maintained" outdoor toilets and "very good" well water. This focus on basic, well-kept facilities allows campers to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment without completely roughing it. It's a haven particularly for "serious campers and fishermen" who are willing to embrace the occasional mosquito for the reward of solitude and excellent outdoor opportunities.

Henry Lake Campground is located in the heart of Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, specifically in Marenisco, MI 49947, USA. More precisely, it is situated in Gogebic County, approximately 9 miles southwest of the town of Marenisco, within the Bessemer Ranger District of the Ottawa National Forest. For Michiganders, this means a journey into a vast, forested landscape renowned for its untouched beauty and abundant recreational opportunities.

While it is "a bit of a drive down some dirt roads/two tracks" to reach, this seclusion contributes to its quiet charm. The effort to get there is part of the experience, leading you to a truly peaceful setting away from crowded areas. Directions often involve turning off US-2 onto forest roads, a common route for accessing national forest campgrounds in the U.P. Its location adjacent to Henry Lake provides immediate access to fishing and boating. Although kayaking directly to individual sites is limited to "only #4 and #5," the presence of a "boat landing" means that water enthusiasts can still easily launch their kayaks, canoes, or small motorboats to explore the lake. This blend of remote tranquility and accessible outdoor activities makes it a prime spot for Michiganders seeking an authentic wilderness experience without being completely cut off from the conveniences of their vehicles.

Henry Lake Campground offers a selection of fundamental services and facilities designed to support a rustic yet comfortable camping experience within the Ottawa National Forest. The emphasis is on providing essentials that complement the natural setting.

• Limited Number of Sites: The campground features a small, intimate number of sites, with recent information indicating there are "now only 7 sites," or sometimes listed as 11, ensuring a less crowded environment.
• Drive-In Sites: Sites are accessible by vehicle and can accommodate tents, trailers, and motor homes, offering flexibility for various camping setups.
• Accessible Wood Table & Fire Ring: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor cooking and cozy campfires.
• Parking Spur: Designated parking is available at each site for convenience.
• Vault Toilets: "Outdoor toilets are very well maintained," with two single vault toilets located near the fee station and a double vault toilet centrally located in the camping loop, providing essential restroom facilities.
• Well Water: Potable water is available via a hand pump in the camping loop, ensuring access to fresh drinking water.
• Boat Landing: A designated boat landing adjacent to the campground provides easy access to Henry Lake for launching watercraft.
• Accessible Fishing Pier: A notable feature is the "awesome" handicap accessible fishing pier, with an accessible trail leading to it, offering access to a variety of game fish in Henry Lake.
• First-Come, First-Served: This campground primarily operates on a first-come, first-served basis, requiring physical arrival to claim a site.

The features and highlights of Henry Lake Campground are what truly define its appeal to Michigan outdoor enthusiasts. These aspects create a specific, cherished experience for its visitors.

• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: A recurring highlight, reviewers consistently praise its "quiet and quaint campground" and "Nice quiet campground." It’s ideal for those looking to escape noise and crowds.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Henry Lake is known for its fishing, with bass and bluegill being common catches. The "accessible fishing pier is awesome" and provides convenient access for anglers of all abilities.
• Well-Maintained Rustic Amenities: Despite being rustic, the "outdoor toilets are very well maintained" and the "well water is very good," demonstrating a commitment to essential comforts.
• Natural Screening Between Sites: The campsites are "spaced with natural vegetation for screening," enhancing privacy and the feeling of being immersed in nature.
• Embrace of Nature: The presence of "plenty of mosquitos" is noted, indicating a true wilderness experience for "only the serious campers and fishermen" – a highlight for those who embrace raw nature.
• Boating Access: The boat landing makes it easy to enjoy Henry Lake by kayak, canoe, or small motorboat, despite specific site limitations for direct kayak access.
• Located in Ottawa National Forest: Provides access to the broader forest's extensive trails, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives, enhancing the overall outdoor adventure.
• Peaceful Setting: The overall ambiance is one of tranquility and calm, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the sounds of nature.
• Affordable Camping: National Forest campgrounds typically offer a more budget-friendly camping option, making it accessible to more Michiganders.

As a national forest campground, Henry Lake Campground primarily operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning visitors must physically arrive to claim a site. While there isn't a direct reservation system, for general inquiries or to learn more about the Ottawa National Forest and its regulations, here is helpful information:

Address: Marenisco, MI 49947, USA (Within Ottawa National Forest)

For more detailed information, it is recommended to contact the Ottawa National Forest directly, as their offices manage these public campgrounds. Their main phone number or the Bessemer Ranger District office would be the best point of contact for current conditions and specific rules.

Phone: (Please refer to Ottawa National Forest main contact for specific district office numbers if needed, as no direct campground line is typically provided for first-come, first-served sites).

Henry Lake Campground is perfectly suitable for Michiganders who are genuine outdoor enthusiasts and appreciate a more rustic, quiet camping experience. For locals, it offers an accessible escape into the vast and beautiful Ottawa National Forest without the crowds often found at larger, more amenity-heavy campgrounds. Its small number of sites ensures a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those seeking solitude, excellent fishing, and the simple joys of nature, including stargazing away from light pollution. The well-maintained vault toilets and good well water provide essential comforts, proving that "rustic" doesn't mean uncomfortable. While it might be a journey down a dirt road and require embracing the natural elements (like mosquitoes!), the reward is a truly authentic U.P. camping adventure. For serious fishermen, kayakers, or campers who value a "quiet and quaint" spot to unwind and reconnect with Michigan's wild side, Henry Lake Campground stands out as an exceptional, hidden gem within their home state.

Henry Lake Campground

Marenisco, MI 49947, USA